How to show Hidden Files in Windows 11

Sometimes when I am running a training session, I encounter technical issues with a participants computer. Because I have an IT background in network support, I am generally able to fix most of these issues when they arise. One step that is common practice is to troubleshoot issues related to files or folders that are hidden by default. So here I want to show you how to display, or show hidden files in Windows 11 to help you with troubleshooting various issues.

Why are there hidden files?

If your computer uses Microsoft Windows then you have hundreds of thousands of files and folders that are automatically created when your operating system (Microsoft Windows) is installed by the computer manufacturer.

As you would expect, lots of these files or folders you’ll never need or want to access, so Microsoft hides them. This helps in several ways such as preventing accidental changes or deletion, reduces the clutter for everyday use, provides some extra security for sensitive files and helps to maintain the structure of the operating system.

Every now and then though we run into a problem where we try to locate, or search for a file or folder that just doesn’t appear to be there. Many of these instances, the problem is simple, the file or folder is hidden. So let’s look at how we can show these hidden files or folders in Microsoft Windows 11.

Why would I need to see hidden files?

This is a good question, and you’ve likely found this post because of one of the following scenarios:

• You have a virus or malware and to remove it effectively you need to delete hidden files or folders created by the virus or malware.
• Troubleshooting a software issue. Many programs including the Microsoft 365 applications use hidden system folders such as the AppData folder. In order to clear out files that are corrupt or need to recreated, you need access to these system folders which are hidden by default.
• Run out of disk space. Maybe your computer is very low on free disk space, and you’ve run a Google and it has advised you to clear out temporary internet files or other cached files. These files are often in hidden folders.

This just gives you a few ideas about why you’d need to be able to view hidden files or folders.

Using Windows 11 File Explorer

All Microsoft Windows based computers provide you with file and folder access via the File Explorer app. The File Explorer app has been around in one shape or another since the dawn of Windows. It has changed names over the decades from File Manager to Windows Explorer to File Explorer.

To open the Windows File Explorer:

1. Click the Start button from the Taskbar:

2. File Explorer is often included in the Pinned apps section:

3. If you cannot see File Explorer, click All and browse through the alphabetical list of programs, or use the Search bar to search for File Explorer:

4. Click the app to open.
5. The File Explorer window will appear:

Pin File Explorer to the Taskbar

If you use File Explorer on a regular basis, like I do, then you’ll find it easier to have one-click access to it via the Taskbar. Normally when you close an app, the icon disappears from the Taskbar, however you can choose to Pin any program to the Taskbar so that even if you close the program, the icon will remain on the Taskbar to allow you to launch it quickly at any time.

1. Open the File Explorer app using the steps in the previous section.
2. Move the mouse cursor over the File Explorer icon in the Taskbar.
3. Right mouse click and choose Pin to taskbar:

4. Click the X in the top right corner to close File Explorer:

5. The File Explorer icon will remain on the taskbar for you to click and launch at any time.
6. Click the icon to open File Explorer again.

This technique works to pin ANY application to the taskbar. I always include the applications that I use most frequently, such as Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams etc in the taskbar for quick and easy access.

Open File Explorer using a keyboard shortcut

This is by far one of my most commonly used keyboard shortcuts in Windows. Opening the File Explorer with a simple press of the keyboard. Make sure you close File Explorer to test this.

Windows key + E

Show/Hide Hidden Files

On the flip side, you may notice that your computer is showing an awful lot of files or folders that you don’t recall seeing before or you simply want to tidy up. You can always check your comptuer to see if you are, or are not, seeing hidden files and you can choose to hide them again if preferred.

1. Make sure you have File Explorer open.
2. From the menu, click the ellipsis (…) button:

3. Choose Options from the menu.
4. The Folder Options dialog box will appear:

5. Click the View tab at the top of the dialog box.
6. You will see a list of Advanced settings:
7. Select the option to Show hidden files, folders and drives.
8. Click OK.
9. Any files or folders which may have been hidden, will now be visible.

I hope you now have a better understanding of hidden files and folders in Windows 11 and how they serve an important purpose. By understanding why these files are hidden and how to access them, you can take greater control of your computer without compromising its stability. Always proceed with caution and make sure you know what you’re changing before making any modifications. If in doubt, it’s worth making a COPY of any files you intend to delete, and keeping the copy somewhere easy to access in case things go wrong.

Comment below with any questions.